As some of our clients may be aware, the Massachusetts DUA is scheduled to follow through on their plans for modernization on May 6th, 2025. While this change has been in the planning stages for some time, it appears there are many employers that do not have the specifics of this change on their radar, so we are happy to provide some links, resources and hopefully guidance. The biggest change to expect is the decommissioning of the legacy system commonly referred to as UI Online. As of May 6th, 2025, this system will no longer exist. Furthermore, you will no longer be able to access the UI Online system as of May 1st, 2025, while this migration occurs. Currently, this system is used to respond to claims, receive correspondence such as hearing notices, determinations and requests for information. All of the aforementioned functions will move to the Unemployment Services Employer Portal system which was launched in 2023. UTCA sent notice to our clients at that time letting them know of the requirement to create user profiles in order to access the Employer Portal. The current Employer Portal will now be where all of your UI experience will reside. You will still access tax rate information, monthly bills, etc. there.
Another change was outlined in a recent bulletin regarding the process of creating and designating new users on the current Employer Portal. As part of the State’s ongoing efforts to protect employer information and safeguard against fraudulent attempts to access accounts, the DUA has implemented enhanced security measures to the user designation process.
As a result of this update, requests to gain system administrator access will take more time. Therefore, the state strongly recommends that all MA employers review their accounts now for accuracy, i.e. up to date addresses and add new users now if needed. This will help to minimize any delays with filing Quarter 1 wage reports, due on April 30th, and accessing the new system for managing benefits when it launches on May 6th.
The New Two-Step Process for System Administrator Access is as follows:
Step 1. Request a user designation letter: Individuals that need system administrator access to an account must first request a letter that the DUA will mail to the account’s legal and mailing addresses.
Step 2. Completing the request for access: After receiving the letter, the individual must enter specific information from the letter and upload their completed User Designation Form. Once submitted, DUA staff will review the request for approval.
As a reminder, individuals who already have system administrator access to their account can manage user access directly through the self-service options available in the Unemployment Services for Employers Portal. To add new users, after logging on, navigate to “Additional Services” and click on “Manage additional access” in the Access Management panel. The DUA is strongly encouraging everyone to take advantage of this and many other self-service features available.
In the latest bulletin from the DUA, the following is suggested to employers to get ready for the changes to come:
Complete the following steps before Thursday, May 1 to get ready for the new portal:
1. Log in to Unemployment Services for Employers and confirm your information is up to date. Make sure your email address, phone number, and address are correct.
2. If you do not have access to the Unemployment Services for Employers Portal and only access UI Online for benefits functions, log in to UI Online and confirm the email address associated with your User ID and phone number is up to date.
3. Starting on May 6, every person with access to log in to your unemployment account will need their own email and password. Password sharing will not be allowed. Make sure staff representing your business have their own login, including a unique email address, in UI Online.
4. Download important correspondence from UI Online now. Old UI Online Correspondence will not be easily available after the upgrade. (This step is not necessary for UTCA clients as we will continue to monitor your correspondence, claims and letters related to separations and claims due)
5. File your Quarter 1 wage report in the Unemployment Services for Employers Portal by April 30, 2025.
There are a multitude of changes that UTCA will be navigating in terms of TPA access, claim responses and the new layout of the new portal but much of this will happen sight unseen from our clients as we will attempt to ensure continuity is as much of a priority as this transition allows. UTCA has been trained on the new portal by the DUA and is in talks with the state regarding possible issues or concerns. As it stands, social security numbers will not be on any claim documentation, which is wonderful for security but may create challenges in identifying data needed for responses. We are currently engaged with the DUA on this issue. As always, we will keep you informed with any breaking updates.
The state has provided a DUA Employer Customer Service phone number (617-626-5075) to answer any specific questions you may have.
Additionally, the state has also provided the following link to Employers in order to help answer any questions you may have. We encourage our clients to please send this link to any other interested parties such as payroll vendors, departments or employees and anyone who may currently access the system for quarterly wage submission: